Vancouver’s post-punk phenomenon ACTORS have played it incredibly cool since their emergence into the broader post-punk consciousness with their debut LP It Will Come to You in 2018. While the common wisdom in the streaming era has been that a constant stream of songs, remixes, and releases via streaming is the way to build a fanbase and get the attention of the music listening public, the quartet invested in building their fanbase through considered songwriting and production courtesy of bandleader Jason Corbett, and extensive touring. That patience, and faith in the strength of their material has paid dividends; their incredibly passionate and loyal fanbase has made them a live commodity as a headliner and festival attraction in North America and Europe, and has made many of their songs into modern goth club staples. While the musical slowdrip has continued post the release of 2021’s exceptional Acts of Worship, we’re starting to get hints of a new LP on the horizon, as evidenced by the release of singles like “Object of Desire” and “In Real Life”. With the release of their latest track “CTRL”, written as a set opener for some forthcoming shows including a European tour in the Fall, Corbett gave I Die: You Die an overview of the band’s evolution by selecting five important songs, providing thoughts on them from his own perspective.

Post Traumatic Love
This was the very first ACTORS release. It’s also the first time I produced and mixed one of my own songs. I felt out of my depth and exposed. I also didn’t care about success in the way that I used to. I had decided to make music for me first. Ironically it was where I needed to be to connect with an audience.

We Don’t Have to Dance
This song almost didn’t make the record. I finished it the day before sending final mixes to the label. I was worried it didn’t suit the rest of the album and maybe it was a misstep. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s become one of our most popular songs.

In Real Life
I cried onstage the first time we played it. It’s a reaction to loss and adversity and it hits me in the feels.

Object of Desire
It started with a techno kick that developed into a song that’s claws are a little sharper. I see it as building on the sonics of what came before it.

CTRL
Everywhere you look the world is crazy. This is the cathartic banger to throw your energy into and get amped. It’s our first single of 2026!